Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the National Assembly planned to fast track a constitutional amendment for state police this week. He spoke during a media briefing with Senate correspondents.
Senator Bamidele addressed the urgency of the measure. He said the Senate isolated the state police provision from the broader constitutional review process.
Lawmakers acted because of national exigency. “Our position on state police is very clear,” Senator Bamidele stated. “We stand with Nigerians on this issue. All strata of the federation have made it clear that there cannot be a better time to establish state police than now.”
He added that the reform would deepen internal security across the country. Moreover, the Senate aimed to respond to its constitutional mandate under Section 14(2) to support the security and welfare of Nigerians.
Senator Bamidele emphasized the limits of the initiative. He noted that state police would strengthen security but would not end insecurity alone. The leader explained that the move formed part of broader efforts to address challenges.
However, he stressed the need for complementary measures, including effective institutions and stakeholder collaboration.
Following Senate approval, the amendment would go to the 36 state Houses of Assembly. At least two-thirds of them must ratify it. Afterwards, the proposal would reach President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Senator Bamidele, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, confirmed ongoing consultations with stakeholders, including the Attorney-General and security chiefs.
The development came as Nigeria continued to face widespread insecurity, including kidnappings and banditry in various states. Proponents argued that state police would improve local intelligence and response times. Nevertheless, critics raised concerns about potential misuse and the need for strong oversight.
